Albania’s prime minister, Edi Rama, has refused to step down despite calls from protesters, as thousands of demonstrators clashed with riot police in the capital, Tirana, for a third consecutive day. The unrest has also left several government buildings damaged.
In a written statement issued to a news agency, Rama said his task was to listen, respond to legitimate concerns and keep the country on its course. He argued that quitting would betray Albanians who had given him a strong mandate to finish EU membership negotiations. On Thursday he also suggested that some forces at home and abroad did not want Albania to succeed in its bid to join the bloc.
Clashes and damage spread across Tirana
Riot police used water cannon and tear gas against crowds in Tirana. Streets across the city were strewn with scorched rubbish bins, smashed bus stops and broken traffic lights. In the central Skanderbeg Square, officers struck protesters who were running away with batons, while tourists watched.
Thursday’s demonstrations also reached several smaller cities, where students joined boycotts at universities.
Protesters point to corruption, education and a resort deal
Demonstrators accuse officials of corruption and of neglecting education. Their anger centres on the sale of part of Albania’s southern coastline to a luxury resort project backed by Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of United States President Donald Trump. The government denies any corruption.
Rama said he was willing to discuss rising education costs, but he rejected the demands for his resignation. A student who gave her name as Kiara told a news agency that the cost of living, weak job prospects and alleged corruption were the main grievances. “Our prime minister is the meaning of the word corruption,” she said, speaking behind a mask like many people on the streets that day.
Protesters had circulated an ultimatum demanding that Rama resign by 1pm local time, 11:00 GMT, on Thursday. Clashes with police began before that deadline passed. The demonstrators say that no one listened to them during a summer of mostly peaceful protests over the resort project.
Arrests, hospital treatment and the prime minister’s video
Police said 65 people were arrested during Wednesday’s protests on suspicion of attacking officers, state institutions and public and private property. The Health Ministry said hospitals in Tirana treated 89 people on Wednesday, 61 of whom were police officers.
Four officers and two protesters remained in hospital. One demonstrator and two officers were expected to undergo surgery.
Rama posted a video on his Facebook page showing him inspecting the charred remains of an office at a university campus in Tirana. He said the room had until recently housed the College of Europe. It was his first public comment since the protests began. He said everyone responsible would face the law and that those involved in the chaos would pay. He also condemned the attacks on institutions and public property, saying they had nothing to do with the legitimate demands of students.
